After Spain drew 2-2 with Colombia in Murcia on Wednesday night, Diego Costa casually told the media that he would be leaving Chelsea this summer.
The Spain international revealed that he had received a text message from Antonio Conte relating his decision that the 28-year-old's services would not be required at Stamford Bridge next season.
Despite Costa scoring 22 goals in all competitions for Chelsea as they won the Premier League, Conte reportedly grew weary of working with the striker. Having to manage Costa's childish antics apparently outweighed what he offered on the pitch.
Spanish paper AS today published the text message which the Italian sent to Costa informing him that he will be clearing out his locker at the club.
Conte kept it short and barely sweet.
Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan
Costa apparently replied with a simple, 'OK'.
According to The Mirror, Costa took a screenshot of the message and sent it to Chelsea teammates and staff members.
The major downside of the revelation for Chelsea will be when it comes to negotiating a fee for the Brazilian-born player. Now that it's known he is no longer part of Conte's plan, Chelsea's hand has been severely weakened.
Costa's head was turned in January when he was linked with a big money move to China. Despite that speculation, Conte managed to keep Costa's head in the game.
He has since also been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. A move back to the former, reportedly Costa's preferred destination, is severely complicated by the Spanish side being banned from signing players until January.
